Bagrut
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| Bagrut | |
|---|---|
| Name | Bagrut |
| Native name | מבחן בגרות |
| Caption | Israeli matriculation examinations |
| Purpose | Secondary school certification |
| Country | Israel |
Bagrut is the national matriculation certification system used in Israel to assess secondary school students in a range of subjects and to qualify them for higher education and military service. The program is administered by the Ministry of Education (Israel), coordinated with regional authorities such as the Jerusalem District, and influences pathways into institutions including the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Tel Aviv University, and the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology. Results affect placement in programs at organizations like the Israel Defense Forces recruitment units, admissions to colleges such as Bar-Ilan University and Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, and eligibility for scholarships from foundations such as the Israel Council for Higher Education.
Overview
The certification encompasses standardized written and oral examinations across humanities, sciences, and vocational domains, administered in coordination with the Ministry of Education (Israel), school networks like the ORT (organization), and supplemental programs run by entities including the Jewish Agency for Israel and the Tzav Pashut initiative. Candidates sit for exams that range from language tests in Hebrew language and Arabic language to mathematics aligned with curricula from institutions such as the Weizmann Institute of Science and national curricula overseen by the Knesset legislative frameworks. Performance on these exams contributes to matriculation certificates recognized by universities including Open University of Israel and technical colleges like the Shenkar College of Engineering, Design and Art.
History
The roots trace to mandates during the British Mandate for Palestine and educational reforms in the early State of Israel era, when ministries and figures such as Golda Meir influenced policy. Post-1948, the system evolved through reforms led by education ministers including Zalman Shazar and Yitzhak Navon, responding to demographic shifts from immigrant waves involving communities from places such as Morocco, Ethiopia, and Russia. In later decades, commissions chaired by public figures and academics, including rapporteurs from Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, recommended changes implemented under ministers like Yossi Sarid and Amir Peretz, impacting networks such as state religious schools and secular institutions run by organizations like Acharai.
Structure and Subjects
The program is structured into core subject groups: language exams (for texts from authors such as S. Y. Agnon, Amos Oz, and David Grossman), mathematics modules aligned with standards from institutes like the Mathematics Education Research Group, science tracks covering topics associated with institutions like the Weizmann Institute of Science and research from laboratories such as Rambam Health Care Campus, and elective options including subjects taught at conservatories like the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance. Subject certificates include multiple levels (basic, intermediate, advanced) in areas such as English language, French language, Arabic language, History of Israel, World History, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Computer Science, and vocational fields linked to colleges like the Ort Braude College of Engineering.
Examination and Scoring
Exams are administered in written, oral, and practical formats with standardized grading scales coordinated by the Ministry of Education (Israel) and marking committees drawn from universities such as Tel Aviv University and research institutes including the Weizmann Institute of Science. Scoring yields points contributing to matriculation thresholds used by admissions offices at universities like Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, and to bonus schemes utilized by military selection boards at units such as Talpiot Program and Gadna. External assessment practices involve examiners from teacher unions like the Israel Teachers' Union and oversight connected to administrative bodies including the State Comptroller of Israel.
Role in Israeli Education and Society
The certification functions as a gatekeeper for tertiary education at universities such as Bar-Ilan University and for vocational pathways through colleges like Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design, shaping labor market entry into firms including Teva Pharmaceutical Industries and public sector placements in ministries like the Ministry of Health (Israel). It also intersects with social policy debates involving advocacy groups such as Na'amat and civil society organizations like Mossawa concerning equity for minority populations including Arab citizens of Israel, Ultra-Orthodox Judaism communities, and Israeli Arab students. The outcomes influence conscription profiles managed by the Israel Defense Forces and scholarship allocations from bodies like the Council for Higher Education in Israel.
Preparation and Study Resources
Preparation pathways include in-school instruction in networks such as the Haredi educational network, supplementary tutoring at private firms in cities like Tel Aviv and Haifa, and preparatory courses offered by institutes including the Open University of Israel and private centers tied to publishers such as Keter Publishing House. Students use past papers produced by the Ministry of Education (Israel), study guides referencing works by authors like Yehuda Amichai or textbooks aligned with curricula from academic departments at Hebrew University of Jerusalem and extracurricular programs run by organizations such as Masa Israel Journey.
Criticisms and Reforms
Critiques have come from academics at Hebrew University of Jerusalem, policymakers in the Knesset, and advocacy groups such as Adalah highlighting disparities affecting communities including Ethiopian Jews in Israel and Bedouin Israeli students, prompting reforms proposed by commissions chaired by figures from Tel Aviv University and the Council for Higher Education in Israel. Debates involve assessment validity, equity measures adopted by the Ministry of Education (Israel), pilot programs in regions like the Negev, and policy responses by ministers including Yifat Shasha-Biton and Naftali Bennett aimed at modernization and inclusion.